Firefighter dead and homes lost as bushfires burn

MAJOR BLAZES

* About 100 firefighters and some aircraft are battling a fire that destroyed homes at Koolewong on the NSW Central Coast - containment lines being strengthened and an exclusion zone has been established

* A fire near Bulahdelah on the NSW mid-north coast, fanned by erratic winds, has burned through 3500 hectares and crossed a major highway - firefighters strengthening containment lines and locals have been urged to monitor conditions

* The Milsons Gully fire in the Upper Hunter area is burning in national park and has scorched more than 11,000 hectares - fire crews expect it will take some time to bring under control

* A fire at Dolphin Sands in Tasmania's east has been contained after destroying almost 20 homes

CASUALTIES

* A 59-year-old firefighter working for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service was killed on Sunday night after he was struck by a tree while battling the blaze at Bulahdelah

HOMES DAMAGED/DESTROYED

* The Koolewong fire has destroyed 16 houses and damaged nine more

* At least four homes have been destroyed in a blaze at Bulahdelah

* A fire in eastern Tasmania has destroyed 19 homes in Dolphin Sands

CONDITIONS AHEAD

* Conditions are easing across NSW and are expected to be less extreme near Bulahdelah.

* Firefighters will still have to contend with significant wind and temperatures on Tuesday

* Increased fire danger is expected in the weeks to come